Calhoun City Schools began the 2012-2013 school year on Thursday and enjoyed a great start to what promises to be a year of monumental growth.

“With the construction of our new middle and high school complex, the theme of our year will be that of ‘Building a Better Future,’ said Dr. Michele Taylor, Calhoun City School’s Superintendent. “Central office staff members were on hand at each school to provide assistance to building level personnel as we ensured that all children had a productive first day back to school.”

Calhoun Primary School (CPS) kicked off the new school year with the largest Kindergarten class in recent history.

Beth Holcomb, CPS Principal, welcomed students and parents to the school year. She stressed to the students that she wanted them to enjoy their experience at CPS and have a fun year filled with a love for learning.

“We had an exceptional first day,” said Holcomb. “Our students are what drives myself and the staff of CPS to reach a new level of excellence each year.”

Tammy Griffith, Principal of Calhoun Elementary School (CES) was able to welcome a host of smiling faces as they entered the school building on Thursday.

“We have had a tremendous first day filled with engaging learning experiences for each and every student,” said Griffith. “If this is an indicator of the great things to come this year at CES, then we will have a strong foundation of success at CES.”

Calhoun Middle School (CMS) was pleased to welcome students to their final year in the existing middle school building.

With a “Building a Better Future” theme, students were greeted by the sound of ongoing construction.

“Students will experience a lot of positive change this year at CMS,” said CMS Principal Michelle Knight. “We are excited to savor the experience of building and moving into a new school building over the next two years.”

Calhoun High School Principal Greg Green reported that Calhoun High School’s first day was a success.

“We are looking forward to the upcoming school year as we prepare to move into our new facility in the spring,” said Green. “These are exciting times for the students, staff, and community at Calhoun High School and we plan on creating great memories of our last year in this historic building with the promise of a state of the art facility in late Spring.”

Teachers have crafted lessons around a “construction theme” which started the year off with the expectation of another year of excellence.

Dr. Michele Taylor, Superintendent, spent the day visiting the classrooms and greeting students.

“This promises to be a year to remember at Calhoun City Schools,” said Taylor. “ As we celebrate 110 years of excellence, we plan to celebrate this milestone through a variety of events centered around our reunion celebration on October 12. The first day is a prime example of why Calhoun City Schools is the premiere school system in northwest Georgia. The Jacket Nation is centered around the family concept and one in which each and every team member is a vital component of the school system. It is with this team mentality that our staff and students experienced a terrific first day of school and we are delighted to have the continued support of the Calhoun community."